Alerts
Warning: Emails misusing the name of Joe Egan Solicitors Ltd
17 July 2024
Emails have been sent misusing the name of Joe Egan Solicitors Ltd.
What is the scam?
The SRA has been advised that emails have been sent falsely claiming to be from Joe Egan Solicitors Ltd referring to the purchase of a property. The email seen by the SRA asks the recipient if they have funds in place and says it will 'send the account details' for the purchase monies.
The SRA has been advised that the emails have been sent using the domain name '@joegansolicitors.co.uk' (note the missing 'e') and using the email addresses 'Fionaj@joegansolicitors.co.uk', 'Emmaf@joegansolicitors.co.uk' and 'rachele@joegansolicitors.co.uk'.
The email seen by the SRA misuses the name and address of a genuine firm of solicitors (see below for details) and gives the telephone number 01204 70409 and the fax number 01204 79285.
Any business or transaction through the domain name '@joegansolicitors.co.uk' (note the missing 'e') and email addresses 'Fionaj@joegansolicitors.co.uk', 'Emmaf@joegansolicitors.co.uk' and 'rachele@joegansolicitors.co.uk' are not undertaken by a firm or individual authorised and regulated by the SRA.
Is there a genuine firm or person?
The SRA authorises and regulates a genuine firm of solicitors called Joe Egan Solicitors Ltd which has a genuine branch office at Old Bank Chambers, 97 – 99 Market Street, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 7NS. The genuine telephone number for this branch office is 01204 704090. The email domain used by the genuine firm is @joeegansolicitors.co.uk.
The SRA also authorises and regulates genuine solicitors called Emma Fielding and Rachel Eckersley who are employed at the genuine firm. The genuine firm also employs an individual called Fiona Jackson.
The genuine firm Joe Egan Solicitors Ltd has confirmed that neither the firm nor its Emma Fielding, Rachel Eckersley and Fiona Jackson, have any genuine connection with the emails referred to in the above alert.
What should I do?
When a firm's or individual's identity has been copied exactly (or cloned), due diligence is necessary. If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the above firm(s) or individual(s), or information of a similar nature to that described, you should conduct your own due diligence by checking the authenticity of the correspondence by contacting the law firm directly by reliable and established means. You can contact the SRA to find out if individuals or firms are regulated and authorised by the SRA and verify an individual's or firm's practising details. Other verification methods, such as checking public records (e.g. telephone directories and company records) may be required in other circumstances.